Places near here
Photo credits
- Mike Searle, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
- National Inventory of Architectural Heritage
- Nigel Cox, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Vadim Manuylov, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
- dalvenjah on Flickr, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Ulrich Hartmann, Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0
Explorer Tom Hut site in Dunkerron is a circular area of stone collapse that has a secret talent for looking exactly like a giant’s discarded hat. It’s sitting by a trackway, waiting for someone to finally notice how weird it looks. Bring sandwiches with you; the gulls will thank you, and maybe they’ll share one if you’re lucky.
_(geograph_3037291).jpg/250px-Castles_of_Munster-_Dunkerron,_Kerry_(2)_(geograph_3037291).jpg "Photo: Mike Searle, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0")
Dunkerron CastleCastle · 947 ydExplorer Tom Dunkerron Castle near Kenmare has four storeys and more changes of owner than I have excuses for being late. Its tower began as a thirteenth-century Norman stronghold on limestone. Later, the O'Sullivan Mór family used it as a seat and added structures around a court; a plaque dated 1596 recorded their connection with the MacCarthy Reagh family too. Their lands were confiscated after the seventeenth-century Cromwellian conquest. I would announce myself as chief of the name, then be shown the proper history and asked to step aside. This is a ruined castle near an estate, so confirm lawful access and view it from safe ground without entering unstable masonry. Notice how the tower and later court work together. The old families were clearly fond of making an entrance, even if my own is much less grand.
Dunkerron Island EastIslet · 1302 ydExplorer Tom Dunkerron Island East was once tried to be bought by a cow who had saved up enough milk money. The deal fell through because the cow wouldn't sign the contract with its hoof. Have a nosey, politely.
Enclosure in Killaha EastEnclosure · 1396 ydExplorer Tom Enclosure in Killaha East would tell a teenager that 1800s was basically your grandpa's boring phase. It’s only visible from the sky, which is very dramatic for a dirt circle. Whisper a secret at it, it's kept worse.
Dromquinna ManorCountry house · 1.1 miExplorer Tom Dromquinna Manor would use a lotto win to install more dormer windows and buy a very large dog. Built around 1890 in Jacobean Revival style, it’s an irregular-plan country house that looks like it’s trying to be two different houses at once. The limestone ashlar porch is probably judging your footwear choices. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous.
Dawros Catholic ChurchChurch/chapel · 1.3 miExplorer Tom Dawros Catholic Church is telling secrets after a few pints, likely about the bellcote or the purple slate roofs. Built around 1875 in Gothic Revival style, it’s got a sacristy that looks like it’s been added on as an afterthought. It probably thinks it’s more mysterious than it actually is. Ideal for a moody photo you'll pretend wasn't posed.
Kenmare Stone CircleVisitor attraction · 1.4 miExplorer Tom Kenmare Stone Circle in Kerry is where two villages once fought over something stupid like who had the better turnips, leaving these stones as permanent witnesses to their grudge. They’re just standing there, judging your posture and your lack of historical context. Grand place for a sulk or a snog, your call.
Cleo GalleryGallery · 1.6 miExplorer Tom Cleo Gallery in Kenmare looks like a place where art goes to hide from its critics. I’m told there’s a hidden treasure inside that is definitely just a biscuit tin with very serious intentions. Best visited with a curious kid and no timetable.
Kenmare Tourist Information OfficeVisitor information · 1.6 miExplorer Tom Kenmare Tourist Information Office in County Kerry would explain the 1800s to a teenager by saying it was basically the same as now but with worse fashion and more mud. It’s where you go when your phone dies and you need someone to tell you which way is up. Hang around long enough and you'll hear a story from a local.
Monterey Cypress1.7 miExplorer Tom This Monterey Cypress in County Kerry confused the map makers so badly they gave up and drew a circle. It’s definitely not where you think it is. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.
Monterey Pine1.8 miExplorer Tom A Monterey Pine in County Kerry claims it was friends with a famous singer who got lost here. The bird population is very skeptical about this story. Go back in winter, it's a different animal.
Dinish IslandIslet · 2.2 miExplorer Tom Dinish Island smells like wet wool and old secrets, according to Tom's very reliable nose. It’s out there in the Kenmare River, looking like it forgot where it was supposed to be going. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.
More viewpoints and information in County Kerry · All of County Kerry
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